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The species/members of the family of Dottybacks, Pseudochromidae,
subfamily Pseudochrominae are easy to divide in terms of suitability for
small systems. Some are peaceful enough, and others can be veritable
demons to their fish tankmates. The latter, in fact, all are better
being tank-bred and reared versus wild-collected in terms of
temperament; but one can keep the meaner to meanest species as sole-fish
along w/ non-fish tankmates.
Here we’ll present the best of the better suited varieties you’re likely
to find available; and some to avoid. Do bear in mind that this list
will age poorly; there are several species of Pseudochromids that are
being developed in sufficient numbers to be offered commercially; and
several that are “new to science”, that haven’t been described as yet.
All species are “tough customers” that are best kept as single
individuals (or paired) as the only fish/es in a small volume. In
particular, “Dottyback-like” fishes like Grammas, small Basses are sure
to be harassed… likely to death, if kept with them.
What Are Dottybacks? Not Basses
Though they look like miniature basses with their pear-shaped
eyes, canine teeth and aggressive manner, physical shape and full-on
grouper like in their bravado, Dottybacks are a distinct family from the
true basses of the Family Serranidae.
They may be readily discerned from smaller serranids on the basis
of a simple character: dorsal fin spine counts. Dottybacks, family
Pseudochromidae ("Sue-Doh-Krome-Id-Ee") have one to three spines each in
the anterior, hard portion of their top fins, true basses have 7-13
spiny rays.
Genera most often seen are the Pseudochromis (with about
100 current species; some of which have been split off into other
genera) and Labracinus (with two species), Ogilbyina (with
three species). Less known and familiar to marine aquarists is Cypho
with two species.
Genus Pictichromis: Some eight species have
been relegated to this genus, moved from Pseudochromis; you may well
find older literature listing them in their former genus. I’ll include
them alphabetically by species with Pseudochromis spp.
The Other Pseudochromid Genera,
Species:
In the genus, Cypho, C. purpurescens is a beauty
though expensive and not-yet spawned/raised in captivity in good
numbers. Its congener C. zaps is dull in appearance. Genera
Labracinus and Ogilbyina members, though tempting, are too
large and mean for the size systems we’re discussing here.
Selection:
If ever there was a collector, distributor and retailers
combination dream AND nightmare group it's got to be the Dotty backs.
They are extremely territorial amongst themselves and can be living
terrors if mixed with fishes they don't care for.
The dream part comes from Dottyback shipping mortalities;
virtually none. The "Elm Street" portion is finding enough cubicles,
containers to individually cordone them off. Their interaction with each
other reminds me of freshwater male Bettas, Betta splendens. The
big difference is that Dottybacks have large canine teeth and no long
flowing fins to slow them down. A large proportion of these fishes are
lost by the business from "jumping" out of the system entirely or in
with each other.
Good specimens are about all that is ever offered. I wouldn't be
concerned about chewed fins on a prospective purchase, as long as the
fin bases or body was not bloodied. They are ready healers. Habitat
The Dottybacks are found all over the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea on
exposed reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs. The common element in
their environments is the presence of hiding spaces, coral and rock
crevices and caves that they can and will duck into lightning quick.
"Normal" aquarium conditions suit these fishes fine; many are
found in shallow, changeable circumstances in the wild, and are
accepting of the same in confinement. Behavior:
Predator/Prey Relations:
Dottybacks define the very word territorial; they're small but you
should definitely keep them one to a tank. They are relentless scrappers
with their own kind and other members of the genus. On the reef they are
often found within an arm's reach of each other, and there are a few
accounts of aquarists keeping two or more together in less than a fifty
gallon system, but there are far more recordings of Pseudochromine war
losses amongst their own genus, gobies (esp. Fire, Nemateleotris),
Wrasses, Grammas, Anthias, and more. Wholesalers keep Pseudochromines
strictly apart; you should too. Larger, more aggressive species,
or individuals are best kept with Triggers,
large Angels, Tangs...
Though they are bully boyz, Dottybacks are often kept in all types
of marine systems, from fish-only to full blown reef. Due to their
nature and small size, they generally leave expensive invertebrates
alone. Reproduction:
Spawning in aquariums and in the wild has been observed (See
Debelius and Baensch for the best coverage). Temporary pairs produce a
spherical egg mass which is guarded by the male on the bottom. Hatching
occurs in 6 days at about 27 C. Species spawn every two to three weeks
over a period of the year.
Some Dottybacks show color and structural differences between the
sexes; males being more rich in intensity and color, some species males
with longer unpaired fins.
Introduction/Acclimation:
These fishes should be placed in the system somewhat last, after
the other less territorial types have secured their footage (finnage?).
A very worthwhile approach to adding a Dottyback involves a clear, screw
or snap on lid plastic (don't let your significant other catch you using
their food-storage containers) jar that has holes melted or drilled into
it. The new Dottyback (or old misbehaving one) is floated in the tank
for a few days before release. This seems to ease tension and give all
parties a chance to get acquainted without being able to get at each
other.
Adopting this handy hint alone will save you the cost of this book
many times over.
Foods/Feeding/Nutrition:
Diseases:
Dottybacks are moderately susceptible to marine Ich, but easily
cured with copper and specific gravity manipulation.
Two other "diseases" of note are color loss and the aforementioned
jumping problem. On capture, they're fabulously marked and colored, but
some species are notorious for fading to dull and drab. Insufficient
filtration and lack of varied, frequently offered foods are most often
cited as slowing the loss of color.
How many Pseudochromids have I seen lost due to them catapulting
themselves out of their system? MANY. Far more are lost this way than
from infectious disease. Check and double-seal top openings big enough
for their auto-launching. Cloze:
Yes, the Dottybacks have much to offer; given selection of an easygoing
species, or dedicating a bad boy to its own single-fish display. They
can be overly shy, but more than make up for this reclusiveness with
their occasional shows of color and bold behavior.
Bibliography/Further Reading:
Axelrod, Herbert R. 1973. A colorful beauty from the coral reefs
of Indonesia; Pseudochromis paccagnellae. TFH 4/73.
Barrall, Glenn & Anthony C. Gill. 1997. The Gold-Browed Dottyback,
Pseudochromis aurifrons Lubbock 1980. FAMA 6/97.
Burgess, Warren, Herbert R. Axelrod & Raymond E. Hunziker. 1990.
Atlas of Aquarium Fishes, vol. 1, Marine. T.F.H. Publications, NJ.
Carlson, Bruce A. 1981. Pseudochromis porphyreus Lubbock &
Goldman 1974. FAMA 6/81.
Debelius, Helmut. 1986. Fishes for the Invertebrate Aquarium.
Reimer Hobbing GmbH, Essen.
Debelius, Helmut & Hans Baensch. 1994. Marine Atlas, vol. 1.
MERGUS, Melle Germany.
Fenner, Robert. 1998. The Conscientious Marine Aquarist.
Microcosm, VT. 432pp.
Fenner, Bob. 2000. The Dottybacks, family Pseudochromidae. FAMA
6/00.
Gardner, Todd. 2000. Spawning and rearing the Yellow Dottyback,
Pseudochromis fuscus. FAMA 4/00.
Herwig, Nelson & Don Dewey. 1982. Congrogadus subduscens. A
new challenge for the marine aquarist. FAMA 3/82.
Howe, Jeffrey C. 1992, 95. Original Descriptions: Pseudochromidae.
Pseudochromis diadema 5/92, Chlidichthys cacatuoides
11/95. FAMA.
Kuiter, Rudie H. & Helmut Debelius. 1994. Southeast Asia Tropical
Fish Guide. Tetra-Press, Germany.
Michael, Scott W. 1990. An aquarist's guide to the Dottybacks,
genus Pseudochromis, pts. 1 & 2. FAMA 10, 11/90.
Michael, Scott W. 1995. Fishes for the marine aquarium, pt 11; An
aquarist's guide to the Dottybacks. AFM 8/95. Identical to the above
reference. Shame.
Moe, Martin. 1997. The Orchid Dottyback breeding room. FAMA 11/97.
Nelson, Joseph S. Fishes of the World, 3rd Ed. 1994. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. NY. Paletta,
Michael. 1993. The Orchid Dottyback, Pseudochromis fridmani.
SeaScope v. 10, Summer 93.
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